Arch Rivals - Black and Blue

 

  The song I'm featuring today was one of several that were kindly sent to me last week from various bands in order for me to play on the Just Some Punk Songs show ahead of their upcoming releases. That show is now available on Mixcloud and is well worth an hour of your time : https://www.mixcloud.com/mick-fletcher/just-some-punk-songs-240718/

  I've no doubt that this song will go down a storm with those of you that are fans of street punk and oi. Without a doubt, Arch Rivals are one of the best of the new breed of bands playing this type of music. From Plymouth and featuring Mike Brands (vocals), Tom Murphy (lead guitar), Kev Jones (bass) and Tom Boutwood (drums), they've already released one killer album (2015's One More Round) and a couple of equally as impressive singles. They also released an acoustic version of one of their best songs in which they raised money for the Barth Syndrome Trust (https://archrivalsuk.bandcamp.com/releases).

  I think it's fair to say that expections for their new album, A Constant State Of War, were always going to be high. The teaser track that you'll find below will only stoke those expectations. The album is out on Randale Records later this week and you can order it here : https://www.randaleshop.de/ Alternatively, if you're at the Rebellion Festival this week, snap a copy up from the band (they play Thursday).

  You can get more info here : https://www.facebook.com/ArchRivalsOi/

  And now to the important bit, the song. Rather appropriately for a song which is about bullies getting their comeuppance, this is punchy as fuck. Pedal to the metal, there's no let up in intensity throughout and I can imagine a crowded room joining in on the OI! OI! OI! chants when they play it at Rebellion. This is Black And Blue...

Top 10 Songs Chosen By Tom Boutwood (Arch Rivals, Hostile Minds, Hard Wax)

  Tom Boutwood is one of the main players in the resurgence of modern day Oi music. He's appeared several times on here recently as a member of Arch Rivals, Hostile Minds and Hard Wax, all great bands that if you've not yet checked them out yet then you really should.


 https://www.facebook.com/ArchRivalsOi/

https://www.facebook.com/hostilemindsoi/

https://www.facebook.com/HardWaxuk/


*Quick edit to mention that Arch Rivals have just released a new video for their song Outlaws*

  It was a safe bet that Tom's Top 10 favourite songs list would be jam packed with quality tunes and he was kind enough to oblige when I asked him. Many thanks mate and over to you....



Hi mate, really hard to choose an all time top ten as they keep changing so I chose my current top 10 (today!) Although quite a few probably would make an all time list. Hope that works for you!?



 1)  The Templars - Situation Critical

One of my all time favourite bands and a big influence with my songwriting! Every album is top quality!

 2)  Crown Court - Hated But Rated

Cream of the new oi crop for me. Old school influence but delivered with attitude, fuckin killer!

 3)  The Cliches - Never Change

quality bovver rock! These guys are about to release 3 new songs as well, can’t wait!

 4)  4 Skins - One Law For Them

A proper aggro anthem, great track from a top band

 5)  The Living End - Raise The Alarm

Another big influence for me, shifted away more from the rockabilly side but the newer stuff is full of catchy as hell songs

 6)  Suede Razors - Bovver Girl 

Can't get enough of their new mini album, been on repeat, cracking band

 7)  Top Dog - We're You A Bootboy

Another quality newer band with an old school sound and attitude. Great guys to boot as well

 8)  Sick Of It All - Scratch The Surface

Scratch the surface - always a good track to stick on in the morning, in your face hardcore!

 9)  B Squadron - Means Of Escape

Proper real and raw oi from Leicester not afraid to tell it how it is. UK scene is strong at the moment, just need these lot to get their album finished!

10)  Cock Sparrer - Take 'Em All

Another legendary band with a track that never gets old. Started playing this live with Arch Rivals and it's great fun to play!

Top 10 Songs Selected By Mike Brands (Arch Rivals)

 

  You may have noticed I posted the new video from Plymouth band Arch Rivals (watch it here if you haven't yet seen it : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbvRig1R574). It proved so popular that I asked vocalist Mike Brands if he'd like to submit a list of his favourite songs and quicker than you can shout Oi! Oi! Oi! he sent me the Top 10 that you'll find below.

  Their video is for a new song, also called Arch Rivals, and it'll be part of a double A sided 7" single which is a split with Outlaws and will be out on Randale Records on February 13th. I asked Mike about what was in store for the band during 2017 and he said that as well as the single, they were also playing the following festivals; Punk And Disorderly, Oi This Is Tegelen and The Great Skinhead Reunion. If the amount of views for their blog update is anything to go by, all those appearances are sure to draw in packed crowds.

  All I need to do now is thank Mike for the great list and leave you in his hands....


 1)  AGNOSTIC FRONT - Gotta Go

Cheesy video, but great song that crosses over the Oi! and hardcore boundaries. One of America's best. Roger's vocal style may be an acquired taste, but these guys are the real deal.

 2)  ARGY BARGY - Burning Skies

The masters showing the rest of us how it's done... Great band and great guys...

 3)  BLITZ - Someone's Gonna Die

A band that are totally underrated, they wrote some brilliantly angry songs that represented the desperation of the times perfectly...

 4)  THE BUSINESS - Suburban Rebels

Even though they didn't write the lyrics, the Business took Gary Johnson's poem and made it their own. Anthemic and 100% spot on, it's as relevant now as it was in 1983, possibly more so what with the current flock of internet warriors...

 5)  COCK SPARRER - Take 'Em All

The music industry is full of money men with no real passion, they tell people what to like and sell them lowest common denomination crap... Put them up against a wall and shoot them...

 6)  CRO-MAGS - Hard Times

Another hardcore band, this time more of a thrash crossover... The current line up is playing in Leeds later in the year but I'd give anything to see them at their peak with the original line up. Angry, energetic and passionate, ear blistering...

 7)  THE LAST RESORT - Never Get A Job

I love early Resort stuff, but the "This Is My England" album is one of the best come back albums of all time... Great musicianship with lyrics that remain true to their roots, but connect perfectly with modern life... There's life in the old dog yet...

 8)  LIONS LAW - Antisocial

The intro track on their (in my opinion) best album, Lion's Law are one of the current crop's best bands. This song could've been written in the 80s... If you haven't seen these guys live, do yourself a favour...

 9)  RANCID - Salvation

"...and out come the wolves" is my favourite Rancid album, but this song off it's predecessor was my introduction to the band. A cool as fuck video, this is Rancid at their best...

10)  THE RUTS - Staring At The Rude Boys

I could rewrite this list a dozen times, but this song would be on all of them... Another timeless track that still represents the modern scene It's frustrating that there are still divisions amongst us, the unity that so many of us crave is a distant and naive fantasy... Fuck the extremes, we'll never surrender...

Arch Rivals - Arch Rivals

  Before I introduce today's song I'd like to draw your attention to a poll that's currently taking place on the Church Of Oi Facebook group to decide the best Oi & street punk songs released since 1st Jan 2000. Voting will remain open for a while yet so if you're a fan of punk music from the streets and you want your voice to be heard you can vote for 10 songs and they'll be added to the many that have already been collated. The most popular songs will feature in a chart rundown on the Just Some Punk Songs show. Just get along to The Church and get involved   https://www.facebook.com/groups/143253032463231/

  One band that I'd guess will be picking up plenty of votes are Plymouth's finest, Arch Rivals. Taking their cue from the likes of Argy Bargy, Cock Sparrer, The Business, Rancid, Booze & Glory etc, they formed in 2014 and are already one of the most popular acts on the scene. Their debut single, On Our Own, attracted the attention of Randale Records who released their debut album One More Round. Mixing up elements of oi, street punk and a little ska the album is full of sing-a-long modern classics covering most of the topics you'd expect (drinking, fighting, friends & family, wanker politicians etc). All in all a cracking album that rightly received some cracking reviews.

  The line up of the band is Mike Brands (vocals), Tom Murphy (lead guitar), Kev Jones (bass), Tom Boutwood (rhythm guitar) and Alex Kanchev (drums). They've just released a video for a song from their new 7" single (it's out on Randale on Feb 13th). This is Arch Rivals.....